Regina 
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), set for August 16 to September 2, 2024, will feature a dynamic lineup of musical performances as part of its Bell CNE Bandshell series.
Credit: CNE
This year’s event is themed ‘90s/2000s revival, showcasing a variety of artists who shaped a generation.
Opening Day will see Canadian rockers Sloan, who dominated the national music scene from 1996 to 2016, take the stage with Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip performing as the opening act. Sloan, known for their successes in the JUNO and East Coast Music Awards, are set to deliver a blend of classic hits and new tracks.
The festival’s roster includes Big Wreck on August 28, The New Pornographers with Toronto’s Born Ruffians on August 24, and Montreal’s Half Moon Run on August 26. These acts join previously announced artists such as Manchester Orchestra, Down With Webster, and April Wine.
A highlight is Grammy-winning rapper Big Boi, of OutKast fame, who will perform on August 25, marking his only Canadian appearance on his current tour.
The CNE will also reprise last year’s popular Drag EXtravaganza, featuring Tynomi Banks and Sapphira Cristál, and host a Soca Night on August 29 with Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca stars Destra and Farmer Nappy.
Additionally, a tribute to Bob Marley by Classic Albums Live with Canadian reggae artist Jay Douglas is newly added to the schedule. Other notable performers include Ruby Waters, The Reklaws, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, and Mackenzie Porter.
Concerts are free with admission to the fair, with tickets available at advance pricing until August 15.
Founded in 1879, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) annually boosts the Greater Toronto Area’s economy by about $112 million and Ontario’s by $143 million. In 2023, it drew a record 1.604 million visitors over 18 days.
2024 Bell CNE Bandshell Concerts:
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- Friday, August 16: Sloan with Paul Langlois Band
- Saturday, August 17: Brittany Howard with Julian Taylor
- Sunday, August 18: Bahamas with Jeremie Albino
- Monday, August 19: MacKenzie Porter with Nate Haller
- Tuesday, August 20: Drag EXtravaganza ft. Tynomi Banks, Sapphira Cristal, VENUS, Devine Darlin’ and Saltina Shaker
- Wednesday, August 21: Down with Webster with Dee Holt
- Thursday, August 22: Classic Albums Live performs Bob Marley’s Legend with Jay Douglas
- Friday, August 23: Manchester Orchestra with Moneen
- Saturday, August 24: The New Pornographers with Born Ruffians
- Sunday, August 25: Big Boi with SonReal
- Monday, August 26: Half Moon Run with Ghostly Kisses
- Tuesday, August 27: Ruby Waters with Aysanabee
- Wednesday, August 28: Big Wreck with Royal Tusk
- Thursday, August 29: Destra and Band with Farmer Nappy, Dr. Jay & Friends
- Friday, August 30: The Reklaws with Teigen Gayse
- Saturday, August 31: April Wine with Boston Levi
- Sunday, September 1: Voices of Classic Rock: Asia ft. John Payne (formerly of Asia), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey) & Fran Cosmo (formerly of Boston)
- Monday, September 2: (No concert on Labour Day)
How Much:
Concerts are FREE with CNE Admission.
$22.12: Advance CNE General Admission Ticket (purchased by August 15)
$26.55: Regular CNE General Admission Ticket (starting August 16)
(Plus applicable taxes and service fees).
